topic Error installing VMware workstation Pro 17 on VMware Fusion in VMware Fusion Discussions

Error installing VMware workstation Pro 17 on VMware Fusion

LFNP007 — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 00:47:09 GMT

I have a MacBook Pro M1 and I have installed VMware Fusion on a external SSD NVME.
I have to install VMware Workstation Pro 17 for college and I have been trying to do it for a few days, but without success.
I go to google on the VM (windows, on my VM Fusion), I download the windows version for the VMware Workstation Pro 17.
Once I try to install it, it goes through the installation process but at a certain stage, I get the error "FAILED TO INSTALL THE HCOM DRIVER" and it reverts the installation process to the beginning.
I need help here please!!!

Re: Error installing VMware workstation Pro 17 on VMware Fusion

ColoradoMarmot — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 00:49:38 GMT

I'm not sure what you're trying to do. Fusion is for mac's (intel and M1). Workstation is for Windows (intel only).

You can't install workstation in any form on an M1 based Mac - there's no nested virtualization, and no intel CPU emulation.

If you need to install windows on your mac, only Windows 11 ARM is supported, and that can be installed directly from the new menu in Fusion 13.5 (you'll need a license key, but it'll get the install media).

Re: Error installing VMware workstation Pro 17 on VMware Fusion

LFNP007 — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 00:54:47 GMT

Yes, I already have Fusion running and operating on my Mac.

The problem is: I need to use VMware Workstation Pro 17 for a subject in college. I have a desktop with windows at home, but I use my MacBook for school. How will I be able to use VMware Workstation Pro 17 since I am using a Mac with a M1 chip??

Re: Error installing VMware workstation Pro 17 on VMware Fusion

Technogeezer — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 01:42:44 GMT

VMware Workstation runs on a PC that contains an Intel or AMD CPU chip. The M1 chip is neither of those.

If what you need to run is a pre-built virtual machine that runs on Workstation, then you're out of luck. Virtual machines built on Intel or AMD systems will not run on Fusion on M1 Macs.

If on the other hand it's a Windows application you might be able to install Windows 11 ARM on a Fusion VM, and then run your application (which I'm assuming is written for x64 Intel PCs) on that VM using the Rosetta-like Intel translation that Microsoft built into Windows 11 ARM.

A little more explanation on what you're trying to run for your class will help us figure out what your alternatives are.